This is to inform you that at the request of the Guatemalan Government
and on
behalf of the World Bank, OOSA has requested the activation of the
International Charter: Space and Major Disasters and other space-based
mechanisms in support of relief operations with regard to the impacts
of the
volcanic eruption (Pacaya volcano, 27- 28 May 2010), and the impacts
related to
tropical storm AGATHA (29-30 May, 2010; floods, landslides,
subsidence).

The Pacaya volcano in Guatemala started erupting lava and rocks on
Thursday, 27
May. Ash has been covering the sourrounding area, including the capital
Guatemala City. Several thousand persons had to be evacuated due to the
volcanic eruption. When torrential rainfall set in a few hours after,
several
houses collapsed due to heavy weight of the ash, displacing dozens of
people.

Aggravating the situation, tropical storm Agatha made landfall in
Guatemala
on Saturday, 29 May. Heavy winds and severe rainfall have led to flash
floods
and landslides in many areas of the country. Close to 100 fatalities
have been
reported throughout the region: nearly 30,000 people are in temporary
shelters,
and approximately 100.000 people are severely affected by the situation
in
Guatemala.

Please find below the coordinates of the Area of Interest for your
information.